Broadening horizons: SA Award winner reflects on international architecture festival

As the winning entry in the inaugural Coverland Concrete Roof Tile Award for Excellence, SALT Architects attended the 2024 World Architecture Festival (WAF) in November.  

The director, Gustav Roberts, shares some insights from attending this iconic architectural event.  

Host city, Singapore 

The trip to WAF in Singapore was remarkable. Experiencing such a progressive city firsthand – one that functions almost like a precisely designed machine – showcased an ideal of “pragmatic utopia” that the developed world seems to be striving towards. 

Singapore’s vision of becoming a “City in a Garden” is an inspiring priority, and the extensive greenery everywhere contributes to a magical urban experience. The city’s openness, with few barriers or boundaries like fences, allows residents and visitors alike the freedom to explore seamlessly across properties.  

Roberts explains: “This intentional design seems certain to help foster a strong sense of ownership and belonging among residents.” 

Singapore’s vision of becoming a “City in a Garden” and the extensive greenery everywhere contribute to a magical urban experience, according to Gustav Roberts. Photo credit: Gustav Roberts

WAF 2024 

At the festival itself, it was inspiring to witness incredible architectural work presented by people from all backgrounds and parts of the world.  

A recurring thought expressed at WAF was how successful architecture starts with a zoomed-out view, ensuring that it is good urbanism first. Photo credit: Gustav Roberts

“The projects ranged in scale from small pavilions to entire cities, reminding us that these achievements come from regular people with the same challenges and humanity as we have in South Africa,” says Roberts. 

One notable topic was the concept of “Sponge Cities”– urban areas designed to absorb and manage water more effectively. It sparked reflections on how these principles may influence the development of Cape Town, an official Wetland City. “This concept could be highly relevant to our unique urban landscape and climate,” he states.

A recurring thought was how successful architecture starts with a zoomed-out view, ensuring that it is good urbanism first. 

“Our challenge in South Africa, however, is how to achieve this vision within a context where safety and security remain top priorities. Thanks again to BMI Coverland and SAIA for the landmark opportunity,” concludes Roberts. 

Roberts reports that to experience such a progressive city firsthand, one that functions almost like a precisely designed machine, was remarkable. Photo credit: Gustav Roberts

SAIA 2025 

“For those who missed the inaugural awards, rest assured, it remains part of the future of the Corobrik Awards for Merit and Excellence in partnership with Coverland,” confirms Willem Grove, marketing manager of Coverland.  

The Coverland category will be included in the 2025 SAIA Regional Awards. Grove encourages architects to submit concrete roof tile projects and to incorporate concrete roof tiles in upcoming designs.  

“If you’re seeking tailored solutions to elevate your project, feel free to contact us as the manufacturers,” he says. 

Gustav Roberts of SALT Architects attended WAF 2024 and shares the value of this prize from Coverland.  

For more information, contact Coverland: 

Tel: +27 11 222 7300 

Email: info.sa@bmigroup.com 

Website: https://www.bmigroup.com/za 

For more information on the awards, contact SAIA: 

Tel: +27 11 782 1315 

Email: marketing@saia.org.za